Shadow’s real-life Dark Rider motorcycle has found a new owner, and for considerably more than anyone expected! The one-of-a-kind machine created for SEGA’s Fearless: Year of Shadow campaign sold for an incredible £210,000 during a charity auction in Stafford, England.
The motorcycle went under the hammer on October 11 as Lot 325 in Bonhams’ Autumn Stafford Sale, held alongside the Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show. Originally estimated to fetch between £10,000 and £15,000, the custom-built bike ultimately achieved fourteen times the upper estimate, with the proceeds benefiting the Luca Guintoli Foundation.
According to coverage of the event, the winning bidder was Michael Stanback, an American Sonic fan who travelled to England for the auction. The bidding reportedly brought Sylvain Guintoli’s wife, Caroline, to tears as the final price climbed far beyond expectations.
The sale supports a cause close to the Sonic community. Former World Superbike Champion Sylvain Guintoli and his wife Caroline established the Luca Guintoli Foundation in memory of their son Luca, who passed away from cancer at the age of six in 2025.
The foundation provides financial assistance, education and practical support to children affected by cancer or autism and their families across England and Wales.
SEGA donated the Dark Rider to the foundation after its promotional appearances during 2024. The motorcycle was originally created for the Fearless: Year of Shadow campaign, which celebrated the Ultimate Lifeform alongside the releases of Sonic X Shadow Generations and Sonic the Hedgehog 3.
Built around a 2000 Bourget custom motorcycle, the Dark Rider was designed by SEGA in collaboration with Oil Sweat & Gears and Atmospherics SFX. It features a 1,750cc S&S Super Stock engine, an Ultimate six-speed gearbox and a weight of approximately 280 kilograms.
The bike travelled extensively during the Year of Shadow, appearing at events including the British MotoGP at Silverstone, Gamescom, EGX/MCM Comic Con London and promotional screenings for Sonic the Hedgehog 3.
The winning lot also included a custom RST motorcycle racing suit with matching gloves and a special Shadow-themed helmet donated by HJC. Bonhams clarified that the mannequin used for the display was not included.
Despite having a genuine 1,750cc engine, the Dark Rider is currently configured for static display rather than road use. The motorcycle would require additional work, including replacement of its dummy fuel tank, before it could be ridden.
Bonhams waived its buyer’s premium for the charitable sale, with the proceeds supporting the foundation’s work.
The official Bonhams auction listing confirms the £210,000 result.
What started as a promotional centerpiece for Shadow’s biggest year has now helped raise a remarkable amount for children and families who need it.
Stay tuned to Sonic City for more Sonic the Hedgehog News and Updates!
Discover more from Sonic City ⋆★ Sonic the Hedgehog News, Media, & Community ★⋆
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
